Avian Influenza - H5N1

Avian Influenza A (H5N1) is a viral disease that affects mostly domesticated poultry and wild birds, such as geese, ducks, and shore birds. Wild birds are especially likely to carry and transmit the virus. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is currently responding to cases of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza in farmed birds across Canada.

While avian influenza can be fatal for both wild and domesticated birds, the risk to humans is very low. Most cases of avian flu in humans have been traced to handling infected poultry (live or dead) or their feces. There is no evidence to suggest that properly cooked poultry is a source of concern of avian influenza infection for people. On rare occasions, some subtypes of the virus can cause illness in humans. Health Canada has more information about human health issues related to bird flu.

Preventing avian influenza infection

To reduce your risk, individuals are advised not to touch or handle any birds they may have contact with and to place bird feeders and baths away from children and your pets.

If contact with wild birds is unavoidable, wear gloves or layer two plastic bags to avoid contact with body fluids, blood and feces. Wash your hands with warm water and soap.

Avian influenza symptoms

If you have handled a sick wild bird or domesticated poultry, you should monitor for human symptoms of avian influenza, including:

• Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or congested nose
• Muscle or body aches, headache, general fatigue
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• Shortness of breath
• Less common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or seizures

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have been in contact with wild birds or poultry in the previous 10 days, contact your doctor or nurse practitioner. While human to human transmission is rare, individuals experiencing these symptoms who have had contact with poultry/wild birds should distance from others and wear a mask until they have received assessment from their health care provider.

The Public Health Agency of Canada provides advice on precautions to be taken when handling wild birds.

Your small flocks and pet birds could be at risk of catching bird flu when wild birds migrate to and through Hamilton in the spring and fall months, as wild birds naturally carry influenza viruses.

Now is the time to review your preventative measures to keep your birds healthy, especially if you have a chicken coop or keep pet birds outside. Simple, inexpensive practices can be very effective at keeping this serious disease away from your birds.

Response to detections of avian influenza in Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is currently responding to cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in poultry flocks and small flocks across Canada. Status of ongoing avian influenza (H5N1) response.